Written question asked by Lord Astor of Hever (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Goldsmith (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 June 2006.

Court Martial: Sergeant Selman and Others

Question: In the cases of Sergeant Selman and others recently acquitted at court martial, whether any communication passed directly or indirectly between the prosecuting authority and the Law Officers in connection with these cases.

Answer: As this was a case of manslaughter alleged to have been committed by servicemen serving in Iraq, the APA consulted the Attorney-General at the time the decision to prosecute was taken and kept him informed of the progress of the case through meetings and correspondence. The decision to prosecute was that of the APA, supported by advice of independent leading counsel. The decision to prosecute was that of the Army Prosecuting Authority supported by opinion of independent leading counsel.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 6212; 683 c155WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Armed forces Courts martial Homicide Iraq Law officers Prosecutions Peacekeeping operations Army Prosecuting Authority Kareem, Ahmed
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk